Manipur Police carried out coordinated operations across three districts on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of three individuals linked to banned militant outfits and the recovery of arms, explosives, and crucial communication devices.

The most high-profile arrest was that of Kangjam Rakesh Singh (48), an alleged arms smuggler from Brahmapur Bamon Leikai in Imphal East. He was apprehended at Moirangkhom Old Thumbuthong Makhong with a loaded 9mm pistol and live ammunition, exposing the persistent arms trafficking network in the state.

In a separate operation, police arrested Naorem Abinash Singh (19), a self-styled cadre of PREPAK, near BT Park in Imphal West. Investigations revealed he had recently extorted ₹5,000 from a resident of Kakching.

Meanwhile, in Bishnupur district, security forces nabbed Salam Kipjen Singh (45), an operative of the RPF/PLA, at Tronglaobi. His motorcycle and communication gadgets were also seized.

Significantly, the crackdown also uncovered bomb-making materials in Kakching’s Kaibung area. Security personnel seized 470 grams of TNT, an electric detonator, metal containers, splinters, and other improvised explosive device (IED) components weighing several kilograms.

Police further recovered multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and communication devices from the arrested individuals, which officials said could provide key intelligence on the wider militant networks still active in Manipur.

Authorities have stepped up security measures as militant groups continue to maintain operational capabilities despite ongoing peace efforts.